First Look

After plugging in the 1127 into the 1018, and the 1018 into your computer, open the Phidget Control Panel. You will see something like this:

The Phidget Control Panel will list all connected Phidgets and associated objects, as well as the following information:

Serial number: allows you to differentiate between similar Phidgets.

Channel: allows you to differentiate between similar objects on a Phidget.

Version number: corresponds to the firmware version your Phidget is running. If your Phidget is listed in red, your firmware is out of date. Update the firmware by double-clicking the entry.

The Phidget Control Panel can also be used to test your device. Double-clicking on an object will open an example.

Voltage Input

Double-click on a Voltage Input object in order to run the example:

General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

Modify the change trigger and/or data interval value by dragging the sliders. For more information on these settings, see the data interval/change trigger page.

Select the 1127 from the Sensor Type drop-down menu. The example will now convert the voltage into illuminance (lux) automatically. Converting the voltage to illuminance (lux) is not specific to this example, it is handled by the Phidget libraries, with functions you have access to when you begin developing!

Technical Details

General

The human eye is less sensitive to changes in light intensity than the 1127, but is able to see a wider range. The Human eye range is from 50µlx (starlight) to 100klx (extremely bright sunny day). The 1127, on the other hand, is able to measure from 1lx (Moonlight) to 1000lx (TV studio lighting). The 1127 is able to detect higher frequency fluctuations in light levels than the human eye. If you notice noise on
the signal that you cannot perceive yourself, it is probably due to incandescent light flicker, or other varying light sources. This sensor is designed to respond to visible light, and it can sense light from concentrated sources like laser pointers (although be careful with high-power lasers, as they could damage the sensor). It will also have a very muted response to IR light that is close to the visible spectrum (700-800nm). The 1127 is non-ratiometric which means that you cannot rely on the sensor saturating at 5 volts. To be conservative, interpret a sensor voltage of over 4.75V as saturated, with the true light level being unknown.

Sensitivity Response

The 1127 uses the AMS104 light sensor package. The following graph illustrates the sensor's sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light.

Formulas

The Phidget libraries automatically convert voltage to illuminance (lux). See the Phidget22 API for more details. The formula to translate voltage from the sensor into illuminance is:

Phidget Cable

The Phidget Cable is a 3-pin, 0.100 inch pitch locking connector. Pictured here is a plug with the connections labelled. The connectors are commonly available - refer to the Analog Input Primer for manufacturer part numbers.

What to do Next

General Phidget Programming - Read this general guide to the various aspects of programming with Phidgets. Learn how to log data into a spreadsheet, use Phidgets over the network, and much more.

Phidget22 API - The API is a universal library of all functions and definitions for programming with Phidgets. Just select your language and device and it'll give you a complete list of all properties, methods, events, and enumerations that are at your disposal.

Interface Boards and Hubs

This sensor can be read by any Phidget with an Analog Input or VINT Hub port. It will connect to either one using the included Phidget cable. VINT Hub ports can behave just like Analog Inputs, but have the added flexibility of being able to be used as digital inputs, digital outputs, or ports to communicate with VINT devices. For more information about VINT, see the VINT Primer.

Phidget Cables

This sensor comes with its own Phidget cable to connect it to an InterfaceKit or Hub, but if you need extras we have a full list down below. You can solder multiple cables together in order to make even longer Phidget cables, but you should be aware of the effects of having long wires in your system.

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Phidgets Inc.

We believe in getting problems solved quickly and projects finished on time. That's why we specialize in making affordable, easy to use sensors and controllers that require minimal electronics knowledge.

Phidgets Inc.

We believe in getting problems solved quickly and projects finished on time. That's why we specialize in making affordable, easy to use sensors and controllers that require minimal electronics knowledge.